Are You Okay?

During this time of the year many people suffer in despair. Some feel powerless to change their circumstances. Many feel disappointed with their life. For one reason or another people live with a lot of sadness. The sadness is often masked by a fake smile, or an outward appearance of strength.

Five or more years ago, I was in denial about being depressed.

“Denial is the biggest deception because it prevents us from facing our challenges, and addressing the debilitating issues in our lives.”

There are many misconceptions about depression, but an extreme amount of sadness is not the norm. I was sad and did not feel good about who I was. I felt inadequate as a wife and woman. The year prior I had lost my oldest and only brother, and was dealing with infertility issues.

I summed up my feelings of grief and sadness as just a phase. I never thought it was depression. How could I be depressed? I can’t be depressed, I love God. I was praying, yet still holding onto the issues, trying to carry the world on my shoulders. I was being crushed by the anxieties of life, and not really addressing my disappointment or dissatisfaction with life.

Instead of addressing the issues, I put on a brave face, smiled, and kept on coasting through life. I am so glad God saw my predicament and did not leave me there. God sent a man of faith to pray, speak life, and expose the depression that was trying to destroy me.

The road to victory was not an overnight process. I leaned on the Word Of God, and prayed for understanding. The scripture in Proverbs 12:25 helped me to uncover how I got to a place of depression, the scripture reads as follows:

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.”

The bible really has an antidote for All life’s problems. So how did God bring me through.

1. Honesty helped me get to a place of acceptance and make the decision not to remain depressed. Are you willing to regain your life? Are you willing to face your problems? If so, you are off to a good start.

2. Prayer kept me on the road to deliverance

3. The Word Of God helped me gain freedom.

4. Talking to trustworthy, positive, people of faith helped me to no longer feel ashamed or embarrassed.

If you are dealing with depression, I want you to know that, God can help you if you invite him to, but you must first get honest about your condition. Be willing to face the issues, and not avoid the issues. You may also need to seek professional help.

Do not suffer in silence.

Do not suffer in solitude.

Be willing to embrace and not reject the process.

I want you to know that you can begin to love life again, and experience renewed peace and joy.